Not Ready to Adopt? You Can Always Foster!

Did you know that June is National Foster Care Month? Pet foster parents are integral in ensuring animal welfare, and the need for more of them is continually growing. If you're interested in becoming a pet foster parent, there are many ways you can get involved. This blog post will discuss how to become a pet foster parent, the benefits of doing so, and some of the challenges that come with it. We hope that this post will inspire others to take on this crucial role and help animals in need!

What is National Pet Foster Care Month

June is National Pet Foster Care Month. During the month of June we want to share the opportunity to help animals in need. One way you can help is by becoming a foster parent for pets. Pet foster parents provide a temporary home for animals. The primary role of a foster parent is to take care of the animal while they acclimate to domestic life and wait to be adopted into their forever homes.

There are many reasons why an animal may need to be placed in foster care. Some animals come from shelters or rescue organizations that do not have the resources to care for all the animals. So as a foster pet parent, you will help house and care for the animals while they wait to be adopted.

Another reason an animal may need to be placed in foster care is due to owner surrender. In these cases, the owner is no longer able to keep the pet but wants to ensure that the animal will find a good home. As a foster parent, you can provide a loving home for the animal until it is ready to be adopted.

Some animals may need a little extra care due to an injury or illness. As a foster parent, you will work with the rescue organization to provide the care the animal needs.

Fostering animals is a rewarding experience. You get to help an animal in need and watch it thrive in a loving home. If you are interested in becoming a foster pet parent, contact your local shelter or rescue organization today.

How Long Can You Expect to Foster a Pet?

Pet foster parents will keep animals for an average of 2 weeks to 2 months. It depends on what they need medically or behaviorally. Some pets need more time because of age, illness, or behavior issues.

Responsibilities of a Foster Pet Parent

As a foster pet parent, you will be responsible for the animal's daily care. This includes feeding, watering, exercising, and socializing the pet. You will also need to administer any medications prescribed by the veterinarian.

You Will Need to Provide:

• A safe and loving home
• Proper nutrition, litter, toys/enrichment, and shelter
• Exercise
• Socialization
• Monitor any medical and/or behavioral problems
• Transport to/from any necessary vet appointments
• Transport to/from offsite adoption events

Things to Keep in Mind When Fostering Pets

Fostering pets can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to keep a few things in mind before you get started.

• Make sure you have enough space in your home to accommodate an extra animal.
• Be prepared to care for the pet for at least a few weeks, although some animals may need a longer foster period.
• You'll need to learn the pet’s personality and behavior before they go to their forever family.
• You may also need to teach the dog some basic etiquette and behavior so that they can be more adoptable. 
• It’s not easy, but it surely is rewarding! Your commitment to your furry guest will determine how successful their adoption will be. 
• Remember that you need to know your limits. You will invest a lot of time and effort in them, but you will eventually have to part with them. 
• If you get easily attached to a dog, then fostering may not be for you.

Not Ready to Foster?

Not ready to foster yet? No worries! There are many other way you can support the animals that need support:

• Volunteer at your local shelter
• Donate supplies to a local foster organization
• Educate others about the importance of pet fostering!

The bottom line is that every little bit helps. We hope you’ll consider supporting foster pets this month, and every month!

If you’re already a foster parent, share your experience with us on social media using #petfostercare #petfosterparent